"Designer HomeTending matches approved, professional live-in hometenders with homes until they sell, making the homes more visually appealing to prospective buyers, safer for their neighborhoods, and insurable," according to the company's website.

The full-sized home costs hometenders about the same price as a studio apartment, according to DHT.

Not only are the professional squatters getting a deal on rent, the homeowners are coming out as big winners too. The process costs nothing for them, and DHT provides pool service, indoor cleaning and gardening.

Become a Pro Squatter

For the price of a studio apartment, you can live in a full-sized home.

(Published Monday, March 2, 2009)

"Homes on our program across the country consistently sell 20 to 40 percent faster than area 'norms,'" according to DHT.

There are a few downsides for the renters. Hometenders cannot smoke, own pets and are only given a few days notice to move out.